The ANZ Fiji500: Ensuring No Child Dies for Lack of Oxygen

For release: 30 July 2019

 

In July a team of 19 ANZ cyclists from New Zealand, Fiji and Australia set off on a 500km ride across Fiji’s main island to raise funds for life-saving oxygen systems for Cure Kids Fiji’s Oxygen Project. Yesterday saw these riders triumphantly conclude the event after 4 gruelling days on their bikes, having conquered heat, hills and their hamstrings.

“The generous support and contributions from donors and sponsors has made this event a success year on year, and we’re thrilled to announce this year we fundraised FJ$114,000 for the Fiji Oxygen Project,” said Jennifer Miller, Events and Partnerships Manager of Cure Kids Fiji.

“This is enough to purchase several new oxygen concentrators for key hospitals and health centres around Fiji.”

Key information:

    • Oxygen is a lifesaving treatment for many severe illnesses.
    • Fiji’s supply of oxygen systems is expensive and often unreliable.
    • The Fiji Oxygen Project’s solar powered oxygen delivery system filters ambient air to produce 98% pure oxygen.
    • Cure Kids Fiji currently has four systems installed and successfully operating at key centres throughout Fiji
    • This year’s ANZ Fiji500 aims to raise enough funds to purchase three more units.

    ANZ Fiji500 is a four-day circumnavigation of Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji, by bicycle.

    • DAY 1 – Friday 26 July – Nadi to Rakiraki
    • DAY 2 – Saturday 27 July – Rakiraki to Suva
    • DAY 3 – Sunday 28 July – Suva to Komave (Beachouse)
    • DAY 4 – Monday – 29 July – Komave to Momi Bay to Nadi

 

ANZ Fiji Country Head, Saud Minam, said: “This is the third year our team has worked in partnership with Cure Kids Fiji to raise funds towards their Fiji Oxygen Project”

Support from ANZ has allowed the Cure Kids Fiji Oxygen Project to be extended to Nabouwalu, Tavua, Savusavu, and Taveuni Hospitals, providing a reliable and life-saving oxygen supply to more communities.

ANZ New Zealand Relationship Manager for Lending Services, Amy Heath, is riding in the Fiji500 for the first time this year.

“As a mother, it’s distressing to think of children who can’t access the medical care they need. This ride raises money for such a great cause. I’m keen for the challenge and look forward to seeing more of Fiji too,” Ms Heath said.

Cure Kids Fiji would like to extend a sincere thanks to all the individuals who donated to the cause, as well as event sponsors ANZ, Higgins, Pleass Global, TTF, Fiji Airways, Takape Bicycling Workshop & Vasaqa Productions.

 

-ENDS-

For daily updates from the event visit: www.facebook.com/curekidsfiji